Storage drawer for banknotes and valuables

ABSTRACT

A storage drawer ( 1 ) for banknotes and valuables adapted to be positioned in the vicinity of a cash register and comprising: a storage structure ( 2 ) defining a holding volume; a first external opening ( 2   a ) formed in said storage structure ( 2 ) and suitable to enable access to the holding volume and being adapted to allow insertion of a removable tray ( 3 ) in said holding volume; an additional housing ( 6 ) fastened to said storage structure ( 2 ) and adapted to delimit a portion of the holding volume, said additional housing ( 6 ) defining a separate collection chamber ( 6   a ); and insertion means ( 7 ) formed at said additional housing ( 6 ) and adapted to enable insertion of valuables and banknotes into the separate collection chamber ( 6   a ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage drawer for banknotes and valuables of the type adapted to be positioned in correspondence of a cash desk and the vicinity of a cash register and comprising a storage structure fixed to the cash desk defining a holding volume, a first external opening formed in the storage structure and suitable to enable access to the holding volume and being adapted to allow insertion of a removable tray in the holding volume.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Said drawer is used for storing banknotes and valuables and is usually disposed in the region of a mechanical/electronic device such as a cash register adapted to compute and store the sale transactions of a business establishment. In particular, it can be used at a supermarket counter or other types of business establishments.

It is known that presently supermarket have cash desks on which a cash register is placed which through use of suitable optical readers (bar code readers, for example) is adapted to quantify the shopping done by each individual customer, as well as of a first storage drawer inside which a cashier stores the collected banknotes and valuables.

In particular, said first storage drawer has a box-shaped configuration and, more specifically, it consists of a fixed element rigidly secured to the cash box and defining the holding volume, and a movable element adapted to pivot relative to the fixed element, thus closing or opening access to said volume.

Housed in the above described drawer in a motion-admitting manner is a removable tray having a series of compartments each of which is adapted to house a given banknote/coin format inside it.

The known art mentioned above has some important drawbacks.

An important problem resides in that the first drawer is almost devoid of safety measures so that a possible evildoer is allowed to pick up all the drawer's contents without particular hindrances. In fact, at the moment a robbery is committed, and more specifically when the cashier is ordered to open the drawer by the evildoer, he/she is obliged to carry out the order without any possibility of hiding or concealing at least part of the removable tray's contents to the view of the evildoer.

In an attempt to limit the amount of stolen property in case of robbery, cash boxes in a supermarket have a second storage drawer, fully distinct from the preceding one, inside which cheques and/or banknotes of high value are housed. In particular, said second storage drawer is positioned in a cavity separated from the preceding one and suitably provided inside the cash desk.

This second drawer substantially has a first access consisting of a slot through which the cashier introduces banknotes into the drawer and a second access allowing the contents of the second drawer to be reached and which usually can be opened by a key or other similar element.

This solution is not an optimal one because a further housing is required which, as a result, causes an increase in the manufacturing costs for the desk.

Another problem of this technical solution is the fact that it can be hardly utilised inside a bar or a business establishment where the available room for the cash register and consequently for providing two drawers is very restricted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Under this situation the technical task underlying the present invention is to conceive a storage drawer for banknotes and valuables capable of substantially obviating the mentioned drawbacks.

Within the scope of this technical task it is an important aim of the invention to conceive a storage drawer that can be easily used in any business establishment, irrespective of the available room.

The technical task mentioned and the aims specified are achieved by a storage drawer for banknotes and valuables adapted to be positioned in correspondence of a cash desk and the vicinity of a cash register and comprising: a storage structure fixed to the cash desk defining a holding volume, a first external opening formed in the storage structure and suitable to enable access to the holding volume and being adapted to allow insertion of a removable tray in the holding volume, and an additional housing, comprising partitions rigidly secured to the storage structure and adapted to delimit a portion of the holding volume, the additional housing defining a separate collection chamber, and insertion means formed at the additional housing and adapted to enable insertion of valuables and banknotes into the separate collection chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the invention are hereinafter clarified by the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a storage drawer for banknotes and valuables according to the invention;

FIG. 2 a is a plan view in section of a position of the drawer for banknotes and valuables; and

FIG. 2 b is similar to FIG. 2 a and represents a further position of the drawer. With reference to the drawings, the storage drawer for banknotes and valuables according to the invention is generally denoted at 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is adapted to be used in the region of a cash register of any commercial establishment, such as a supermarket or a bar. In detail, it is adapted to be fastened to the cash register and, in case of a supermarket, to the cash desk 10 of said supermarket. Otherwise, it can be integrated into the cash register, which often happens in bars and shops.

The storage drawer 1, in known manner, comprises a base or storage structure 2 defining a holding volume and having a first opening 2 a formed in the upper part of structure 2 and adapted to enable access to the holding volume. Preferably, drawer 1 comprises a lid 3 that is movable relative to the storage structure 2 and is adapted to regulate access to the holding volume. Said lid 3 can be omitted when structure 2 is for example provided with a sliding opening/closing movement. The sizes of the storage structure 2 and therefore of drawer 1 are such as to enable removable trays 4 to be easily put in or removed from the inside of the holding volume, which trays 4 consist of a known element having a plurality of compartments in which banknotes and/or coins can be disposed and separated from each other, based on their value.

In particular, the storage structure 2, in case of drawer 1 for a supermarket cash box has length, width and height substantially included between 400 and 500 mm, 100 and 250 mm and 50 and 200 mm, respectively.

The storage structure 2 can have holes or other similar elements adapted to enable it to be steadily fastened to said supermarket cash desk 10.

In addition, in the particular case of a storage drawer 1 for supermarkets, the storage structure 2 has such a profile that the removable tray 4 can be removed through exploitation of known picking up systems such as a suitable shaped thin plate adapted to seal the removable tray 4 and enable easy movement thereof. Lid 3 can rotate relative to the base or storage structure 2 so that it will abut against the base itself at the first opening 2 a thus preventing access to the holding volume or, alternatively, will be moved apart from said first opening 2 a enabling easy access to said holding volume and, as a result, to the removable tray 4.

This movement is preferably controlled by an opening mechanism 5 adapted to allow automatic movement of lid 3 relative to the base or storage structure 2. In detail, the opening mechanism, of known type, is connected for operation to the cash register so that opening of the holding volume can be directly controlled through the cash register.

Alternatively, this opening mechanism 5 allows manual opening of drawer, i.e. through use of keys or other similar elements suitably handled by the cashier.

In addition to the aforesaid components, the storage drawer 1 comprises an additional housing 6 rigidly connected to the storage structure 2. The additional housing 6 delimits a portion of the holding volume and defines a separate collection chamber 6 a (FIG. 2) to which access is allowed exclusively through a second opening 6 b preferably having an extension plane substantially perpendicular to the first opening 2 a.

Also provided is insertion means 7 adapted to enable insertion of valuables into the separate collection chamber 6 a. The separate collection chamber 6 a is suitably formed in the lower part of structure 2 and therefore it is substantially made on the opposite side relative to the first opening 2 a.

In detail, the insertion means 7 consists of a slot or any other aperture adapted to enable the operator to insert banknotes and valuables from the outside of the storage drawer 1 directly into the separate collection chamber 6 a.

Finally, said insertion means 7 is made on the opposite side relative to the edge to which lid 3 is hinged in such a manner that when drawer 1 is mounted in the supermarket cash desk, said means is located in the vicinity of the cashier so that the latter is facilitated in the operations of inserting banknotes and valuables into the separate collection chamber 6 a.

The additional housing 6 is such shaped as to prevent direct access to the separate collection chamber 6 a through the first opening 2 a and therefore comprises partitions 6 c suitably shaped and rigidly connected to the base or storage structure.

Preferably, the additional housing 6 has a door or alternatively a second drawer or second tray or movable body 6 d susceptible of movement in such a manner as to define an open position (FIG. 2 b) and a closed position (FIG. 2 a). FIG. 1 defines an intermediate position thereof.

In detail, in the open position the access element or movable body 6 d allows the cashier to have free access to the separate collection chamber 6 a, while in the closed position the access element 6 d closes the second opening 6 b inhibiting manual access to said chamber 6 a. In greater detail, in the closed configuration, access to the separate collection chamber 6 a is made possible exclusively through the insertion means 7 and therefore in this position it is exclusively possible to insert banknotes and/or valuables into chamber 6 a.

Due to the arrangement of the additional housing 6 and, in particular to the shape of partitions 6 c, the second opening 6 b is provided in structure 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a.

In particular, the partitions 6 c define the second opening 6 d on the profile of the storage structure 2 so that there is direct access to the separate collection chamber 6 a. In detail, access to the collection chamber 6 a takes place exclusively passing through the second opening 6 b and therefore without passing through the first opening 2 a. In this case, the insertion means 7 is formed on the movable body 6 d and the second opening 6 b.

Alternatively, the partitions 6 c are adapted to define the second opening 6 b within the holding volume. In this case, access to the separate chamber 6 a can be obtained in an indirect manner, i.e. first passing through the first opening 2 a and subsequently through the second opening 6 b. In this case the insertion means 7 is made on the storage structure 2.

The movable body 6 d can consist of a second drawer or tray, as shown in FIG. 2 a, or other component such as a small safe, adapted to translate along a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension plane of the second opening 6 b so as to move from the open position to the closed position and vice versa.

The storage drawer 1 finally comprises a safety system 8 adapted to lock the movable body 6 d in the closed position and automatic opening means 9 suitable to enable at least one first movement of the movable body 6 d relative to partitions 6 c, as pointed out hereinafter.

Preferably, the safety system 8 is provided with a timer member, i.e. a safety means adapted to control access to the movable body 6 d exclusively at a given hour of a predetermined day. Said system 8 for instance comprises a control card 8 a suitably connected to a power source, a battery for example and/or an external electricity supply, and adapted to control said system 8, a hook 8 b for engagement with the movable body 6 d at a suitable cavity formed in the element itself, and an actuating member 8 c for movement of hook 8 b so as to alternately enable latching and unlatching of said hook relative to the movable body 6 d.

In detail, the actuating member 8 c can comprise—not shown in the figures—a solenoid, suitably connected to an outer power supply and adapted to generate a magnetic field capable of interacting with, and moving a magnetic element rigidly connected to hook 8 b, a slide guide adapted to guide motion of said hook along a direction substantially parallel to the extension plane of the second opening 6 b and, in some cases, a return spring, not shown, for bringing the hook 8 b back to the closed position.

Motion of hook 8 b can be either of the translational type, or, as shown in the figure, of the rotational type. In the last-mentioned case, a pivot 8 d can be provided in addition to said guide, for converting the translational motion, due to the guide, into a rotational motion.

The automatic opening means 9 can be formed with one or more spring elements adapted to move the movable body 6 d when the safety system does not lock said body 6 d to the closed position. In detail, said automatic opening means 9 controls at least one first movement of the movable body 6 d, i.e. said means at least causes partial opening of the access to the separate collection chamber 6 a.

Alternatively, said opening means 9 is adapted to control full opening of the access to the separate collection chamber 6 a and therefore for instance causes the second drawer or tray or movable body 6 d to almost completely come out of the separate collection chamber 6 a.

Mounting and use of a storage drawer for banknotes and valuables described above mainly as regards structure is the following.

First, drawer 1 is fastened to the supermarket cash desk 10. In detail, it is placed inside a compartment previously formed in the cash desk 10 and usually provided for receiving a known storage drawer.

In particular, said positioning causes the insertion means 7 that is placed on opposite side relative to the hinging point of lid 3 as shown in FIG. 1, to open close to the position usually taken by the cashier while he/she is performing his/her tasks.

Once drawer 1 has been fastened to the supermarket cash desk, the opening mechanism 5 is connected, in known manner, to the cash register and the removable tray 4 is inserted into the holding volume.

In detail, for enabling correct insertion of the removable tray 4, the latter, in correspondence with the additional housing 6, has a profile conforming in shape to said additional housing 6 so as to avoid interferences between the two components and therefore an incorrect positioning of the removable tray 4.

When the aforesaid two operations have been completed, the movable body 6 d is locked due to the safety system 8, to a closed position and the storage drawer 1 is ready for use in an almost normal manner, i.e. like one of known storage drawers.

When contents of the separate collection chamber 6 a has to be recovered, the safety system 8 is activated. This activation is preferably of the automatic type and, as previously described, takes place when a given hour is reached.

When system 8 is activated, the control card 8 a carries out activation of the actuating member 8 c that, in turn, causes movement of hook 8 b. Due to this movement of hook 8 b, said hook is disengaged from the movable body 6 d and the latter, pushed by the automatic opening means 9, reaches the open position. In detail, the second drawer or second tray or movable body 6 d, pushed by the opening means 9 in a direction perpendicular to the second opening 6 b, carries out a first movement adapted to only partly clear access to the separate collection chamber 6 a and subsequently the cashier manually completes passage of the movable body 6 d to the open position and fully clears said access.

When the cashier wishes to close the separate collection chamber 6 a again, he/she presses the access element 6 d in a direction normal to the second opening and brings the element itself back to the closed position. In particular, this operation causes insertion of hook 8 b into the appropriate cavity of element 6 d and therefore locking of said element to such a position.

Simultaneously, return of the movable component 6 d to the closed position causes loading of the opening means 9 that therefore is again ready to cause movement of the movable component 6 d thus opening the access, as previously described.

The invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, a first important advantage resides in the possibility of having access to only part of the valuables and/or banknotes stored in drawer 1. In detail, it is possible to have free access only to the contents of the removable tray 4 while it is almost impossible to reach the contents of the collection chamber 6 a inside which the banknotes and valuables of greater value are usually stored.

Therefore, should the business establishment suffer a robbery, the evildoer can exclusively pick up the contents of the removable tray 4 without having access to the separate collection chamber 6 a.

In fact, since the movable body 6 d is in the closed position, the separate collection chamber 6 a is sealed by partitions 6 c and, consequently, although the evildoer can lift the removable tray 4, he/she cannot have access to the contents of said chamber 6 a, the only access way to it being represented by the second opening 6 b.

In addition, even if the evildoer threatens the cashier, he/she cannot have access to said chamber 6 a because the safety system 8 is controlled by a timer and therefore access thereto will be exclusively possible after a predetermined time interval, one minute for example.

Another important advantage is represented by the reduced sizes of the storage drawer 1 that, in spite of the presence of the box-shaped body 6 d, enable use of the drawer in any business establishment, irrespective of the available room.

In detail, the particular sizes of the storage drawer 1 allow the drawer to be placed in the housings usually provided for known drawers, without modifications or other works that would increase the cash box cost being required.

A further advantage is the great simplicity and practical use, due to the particular arrangement of the insertion means 7 that, being placed close to the removable tray 4, does not require particular operations/movements by the cashier for inserting banknotes or valuables into chamber 6 a. 

1. A storage drawer (1) for banknotes and valuables adapted to be positioned in correspondence of a cash desk and the vicinity of a cash register and comprising: a storage structure (2) fixed to the cash desk defining a holding volume, a first external opening (2 a) formed in said storage structure (2) and suitable to enable access to said holding volume and being adapted to allow insertion of a removable tray (4) in said holding volume, and an additional housing (6), comprising partitions (6 c) rigidly secured to said storage structure (2) and adapted to delimit a portion of said holding volume, said additional housing (6) defining a separate collection chamber (6 a), and insertion means (7) formed at said additional housing (6) and adapted to enable insertion of valuables and banknotes into said separate collection chamber (6 a).
 2. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 1, wherein said additional housing (6) comprises partitions (6 c) rigidly secured to said storage structure (2), and wherein said storage structure (2) has a second opening (6 b) which is external and separated from said first opening (2 a) and placed at said additional housing (6).
 3. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 1, wherein an extractable body (6 d) is provided which is insertable in said additional housing (6) through said second opening (6 b) and can be moved relative to said partitions (6 c) in a manner adapted to define a closed position in which said extractable body (6 d) closes said second opening (6 b) inhibiting access to said separate collection chamber (6 a) and an open position in which said extractable body (6 d) allows access to said separate collection chamber (6 a).
 4. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 1, comprising a safety system (8) adapted to lock said extractable body (6 d) to said closed position.
 5. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 4, wherein said safety system (8) comprises a timer member.
 6. A storage drawer (1) According to claim 4, wherein said safety system (8) comprises a control card (8 a), a hook (8 b) adapted to be fitted into said extractable body (6 d) when said extractable body (6 d) is in the closed position; and actuating means (8 c) suitable to move said hook (8 b) in a manner adapted to enable latching and unlatching of said hook (8 b) relative to said extractable body (6 d).
 7. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 6, comprising automatic opening means adapted to enable at least one first movement of said extractable body (6 d) relative to said partitions (6 c).
 8. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 7, wherein said extractable body (6 d) consists of a second drawer susceptible of movement through said second opening (6 b).
 9. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 1, wherein said insertion means (7) is formed in said extractable body (6 d).
 10. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 8, wherein said second opening (6 b) has an extension plane substantially perpendicular to said first opening (2 a).
 11. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 1, wherein said separate collection chamber (6 a) is spaced out from said first opening (2 a).
 12. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 1, comprising a lid (3) that can be moved relative to said storage structure (2) and is adapted to regulate access to said holding volume.
 13. A storage drawer (1) according to claim 12, wherein said lid (3) can rotate relative to said storage structure (2). 